An examination of the run-up, decision, and fallout related to Apple’s most curious product discontinuation.

Written by Neil Cybart

In March 2021, Apple discontinued the original HomePod with the stated reason of focusing on the HomePod mini. The decision was a curious one, not only because Apple rarely discontinues products, but also the HomePod mini is an all-around inferior product in comparison to the HomePod.

More than a year later, all of the questions related to Apple’s decision to discontinue HomePod remain just as valid today. The HomePod was one of the more impressive products Apple had shipped in years. The stellar music listening experience obtained by pairing two HomePods together remains an eye-opening experience. It’s hard to imagine Apple executives have replaced original HomePods in their homes with HomePod minis.

HomePod may be up there as the most questionable product discontinuation in modern Apple. In its quest to say no much more often than yes, the HomePod may have fallen victim to Apple’s focus culture.

The Stationary Smart Speaker Market

In the late 2010s, we experienced a stationary smart speaker mirage. Companies were using smart speakers to take advantage of an awkward phase of technology in which there didn’t seem to be any clear direction as to where things were headed.

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